Class D amplifiers. What's the future look like?


I have a number of amplifiers: Luxman C900U, Bryston 4BSST2, Audio Research VSI 60 Integrated, NAD C298 and some other less noteworthy units. As I swap them in and out of my main system, I've come to the conclusion my very modest NAD C298 is about all I really need. Granted if I had extremely hard to drive speakers, I might be better with the Bryston or Luxman, but driving my Harbeth 40.2 speakers, the NAD is just fine. 

I thought a while ago that class D would quickly overtake amplifier design type mainly due to profit margin which I think would be much greater than A/B and tube. I'm not saying the other design styles would go away, just that D would be the most common style. 

Clearly my prediction is not panning out, at least in the mid and high-end audio world and I'm wondering why? It seems companies such as Bryston, Luxman, McIntosh, Hegel and so many others are sticking by A/B. I'm no "golden ears" guy, but is the perceived sound issue(weather real or imaginary) still holding D back? Maybe my assumption of profit margin is not correct? Maybe the amplifier manufacturers are experimenting with D, but keeping tight lipped until release? Perhaps brand loyalists don't want change similar to what happened with "new coke". What else am I missing?

 

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As has been mentioned in the many responses; execution is everything.  Whether you agree with this notion or not, the proof is in the hearing.  Listening to the latest technologically advanced amplifiers from Mola Mola (the new Perca stereo amp or Kula integrated amp) and you begin to dispel concerns over amplifier output class.  They are transparent, 3D, dynamic, and oh so musical.    

But, when i just look at his D with the chassis open, it ain’t looking like much to me

This is how the internals of 1930 computers looked. Compare that to the internals of today's desktops/laptops/servers/super computers

Mechanical Computers

I just turned 70 and have vowed never to by audio w equipment I can’t easily lift. I can say that because I’ve been very happy with Be Canto monoblocks for many years (ref 300s and now ref 500s.) No going back to the heavy and hot power amps I used before.